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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



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CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS. 



MILITARY ORDER 



LOYAL LEGION 



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UNITED STATES. 



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PHILADELPHIA 
1866. 






Entered^ according to jict of Congress^ in the year 1865, 

for the 

MILITARY ORDER OF THE LOYAL LEGION OF THE UNITED STATES, 

By Sam. B. Wyiie Mitchell, M.D., Acting Recorder-in-Chief of said Order, 

In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States, for 
the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, 



Head-Quarters, Commandery No. i, 

OF THE STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA, 

M. O., L. L., U. S. 
Philadelphia, January 17, 1866. 

Ordered : — That the Constitvition and By-Laws of 
the " Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the 
United States," be published for the use of the Com- 
panions of the Order. 

[Extract from the Minutes.) 

Major General GEORGE CADWALADER, 

Commander. 

Attest: — 

SAM. B. WYLIE MITCHELL, 

Bvt, Lieut. Colonel, U. S. V. 

Recorder. 




Instituted April 15, 1865, 



CONSTITUTION. 



PREAMBLE. 

We, Officers and Honorably Discharged 
Officers of the Army, Navy and Marine 
Corps of the United States, whose names are 
hereunto annexed, — having aided in maintaining the 
honor, integrity and supremacy of the National Gov- 
ernment, at a critical period of its history, — and 
holding in remembrance the sacrifices in common 
made, and the triumphs together shared in the sup- 
port of this sacred duty, — do unite in order to ordain 
and establish a permanent Association for the pur- 
poses and objects hereinafter set forth. And to this 
I* 5 



end, pledge our honor, as officers and gentlemen, to 
be governed by the following Constitution and 
By-Laws. 

ARTICLE I. 

TITLE. 

This Listitution shall be known by the name, 
style and title of "The Military Order of the 
Loyal Legion of the United States." 

ARTICLE II. 

principles. 

This Ord^ acknowledges as its fundamental 
principles — 

1st. A firm belief and trust in' Almighty God; 
extolling Him under whose beneficent guidance 
the sovereignty and integrity of the Union have 
been maintained, — the honor of the Flag vindicated, 
— and the blessings of Civil Liberty secured, estab- 
lished and enlarged. 



2nd. True allegiance to the United States of 
America ; based upon a paramount respect for, and 
fidelity to, the National Constitution and Laws ; 
manifested by the discountenancing of whatever 
may tend to weaken loyalty, incite to insurrection, 
treason or rebellion, or in any manner impair the 
efficiency and permanency of our free institutions. 

ARTICLE III. 

OBJECTS. 

The Objects of this Order shall be to cherish 
the memories and associations of the war waged in 
defence of the unity and indivisibility of the Re- 
public ; to strengthen the ties of fraternal fellowship 
and sympathy formed from companionship-in-arms ; 
to advance the best interests of the soldiers and 
sailors of the United States, especially of those 
associated as members of this Order, and to extend 
all possible relief to their widows and children ; to 



foster the cultivation of Military and Naval Science, 
to enforce unqualified allegiance to the General 
Government; to protect the rights and liberties of 
American citizenship, and to maintain National 
Honor, Union and Independence. 



ARTICLE IV. 

ORGANIZATION. 

The several constituted bodies of this Order 
shall be designated as Cojnmanderies^ and shall con- 
sist of — 

1st. District Commanderies, to be known as 
"Commandery No. — (in the order of institu- 
tion), of the State of ." 

2nd. State Commanderies, to be known as 
"Grand Commandery of the State of ." 

3rd. A National Commandery, to be known as 
"Commandery-in-Chief." 



ARTICLE V 



MEMBERS. 



The Members, or Co?npa7iions of this Order shall 
be of three (3) Classes: — 

1st. Commissioned officers of the United States 
Army, Navy and Marine Corps, who have been 
actually engaged in the suppression of the Rebel- 
lion; and also commissioned officers now or here- 
after in the Military or Naval Service of the United 
States. 

2nd. The eldest male lineal descendants of the 
above; and in default of such issue, then of their 
collateral branches in the order of genealogical suc- 
cession. 

3rd. Gentlemen in civil life, who have been 
specially distinguished for conspicuous and consistent 
loyalty to the National Government, and who have 
been active and eminent in maintaining the suprem- 
acy of the same. 



ARTICLE VI. 

ELECTION OF MEMBERS. 

Section i. — Every application for membership 
shall be made in writing : it must be presented at a 
stated meeting of the Commandery ; and be recom- 
mended by three (3) Companions of the Order, who 
shall vouch for the applicant's eligibility. The ap- 
plication shall be referred by the Commander to 
a Committee of Investigation consisting of three 
(3) Companions of the Order, none of whom shall 
be of the recommending Companions. If the appli- 
cant be a candidate for the First (ist) Class, the 
Committee shall ascertain the date of his appoint- 
ment or muster into the United States service as a 
commissioned officer; and if discharged, the date 
of the same and reasons therefor. In all cases, they 
shall make a careful examination of his standing 
and moral character; and report in writing at the 



II 



next stated meeting of the Commandery. After 
the reading of the report, the Commander shall 
formally request any Companion of the Order who 
has any objection to the report, or reasons against 
the election of the candidate, to then state the same. 
Upon the adoption of the report, the candidate may 
be balloted for ; and every Companion of the Order 
present, shall, unless excused by a vote of the 
Commandery, deposit one (i) ballot, for or against 
the candidate. If not more than two (2) black balls 
be deposited against him, he shall be declared duly 
elected : but if three (3) or more black balls be de- 
posited against him, he shall be rejected and so 
declared. 

Sec. 2. — An application for membership may be 
withdrawn before report thereon ; — or after report 
and before ballot, if the report be favorable. 

Sec. 3. — A Companion-elect, of the First (ist) 
or Second (2nd) Class, before being admitted to 
the privileges of membership, shall subscribe to 



12 



the Constitution and By-Laws of the Order ; pay 
an admission fee of, at least, twenty-five dollars 
($25.00), which shall entitle him to a Badge, 
Ribbon, and Diploma ; be presented at one of the 
meetings of the Commandery, and there make the 
requisite declaration. But if he shall neglect, or 
refuse, to comply with these conditions for the 
period of six (6) months, unless prevented by sick- 
ness or other unavoidable occurrence, his election 
may be declared null and void. 

Sec. 4. — If a candidate for membership be re- 
jected, he shall be forever after ineligible for pro- 
posal in any other Commandery of the Order; — 
and not in this in which he was rejected, until a 
period of three (3) years shall have elapsed from the 
date of his rejection. After which, in the event of 
the rejected candidate applying for membership, he 
shall comply in all particulars with the forms here- 
inbefore prescribed ; and to be elected, must, when 
balloted for, be unanimously approved. 



12 



Sec. 5. — When the fact of the ineligibility of 
any person, — not a candidate, — for a Companion of 
the Order shall be certified to, before the Council 
of any Commandery, it shall be duly and properly 
recorded ; and a copy of such record shall be for- 
warded, through the proper channel, for the informa- 
tion and guidance of the several Commanderies. 



ARTICLE VII. 

MEMBERSHIP. 

Section i. — Membership in this Order being 
based upon the principle — "Once a member, always 
a member," a resignation of membership is, there- 
fore, not admissible. But, in lieu thereof, the right 
of any member to withdraw from the Commandery, 
for any period of time, on application made as 
hereinafter directed, shall be given at any stated 
meeting; a majority concurring in the same: this, 
2 



^4 

with the understanding that, during such time, the 
Companion withdrawing shall not enjoy the rights 
and privileges of other members. 

Sec. 2. — All applications for permission to with- 
draw from the Commandery, shall be made in wri- 
ting and accompanied with a certificate from the 
Recorder that all the dues to the Order have been 
satisfied. But no member shall be permitted to 
withdraw while charges are pending against him. 

Sec. 3. — Membership shall be forfeited only for 
a violation of any of the obligations taken on entering 
the Order, or for other conduct unbecoming a gen- 
tleman and inconsistent with that of a man of honor. 
In such cases the Badge, Ribbon, and Diploma, and 
all other property belonging to the individual as con- 
nected with this Order, shall be disposed of by the 
Commandery in such manner as a majority present 
shall order. 



15 
ARTICLE VIII. 

IMPEACHMENT OF MEMBERS. 

Section i. — If the conduct or character of any 
Companion of this Order shall be impeached, the 
accusing member shall prefer his charge in writing 
to the Council, who shall notify the accused of the 
same ; and if, after a due investigation, the Council 
consider the charge to be sustained, they shall report 
the case, with their decision, to the Commandery ; 
notifying the accused of the time when the report is 
to be made. If the accused member shall fail to 
come forward and exculpate himself, he may be 
expelled by a vote of two-thirds (f ) of the members 
of the Commandery present. 

But no vote for the reprimand, suspension, or ex- 
pulsion of a Companion shall be taken except at a 
stated meetmg. 

Sec. 2. — A member who has been expelled, may 



i6 

only be reinstated by a unanimous vote of the mem- 
bers of the Commandery present at the next stated 
meeting after he shall petition in writing therefor. 



ARTICLE IX. 

HONORARY MEMBERS. 

Section i. — Companions of the Third (3rd) Class 
in any Commandery shall not exceed in number the 
ratio of one to eight (1:8) to those of the First (ist) 
and Second (2nd) Classes. 

Sec. 2. — The Companions of the 7^hird (3rd) 
Class, shall not be liable for fees or dues. In 
consequence of which remission they shall not be 
entitled to vote at any meeting, or be eligible to any 
office of the Order: — unless^ they elect to accept 
the financial obligations of Companions of the 
First (ist) and Second (2nd) Classes. 



17 



ARTICLE X. 

DIPLOMA OF MEMBERSHIP. 

Section i. — Every Diploma of Membership 
shall be signed by the Commander-in-Chief, and 
shall have the seal of the Order affixed thereto, and 
be attested by the Recorder-in-Chief. 

Sec. 2. — The form of the diploma shall be as 
follows : — 

/;/ the Name mid by the Authority of 

{COAT OF ARMS.) 

the Military Order of the Loyal Legion 
OF the United States. 

The Commandery-in-Chief, 

To all to tuho?n these Presents shall co7ne^ 

Greeting: 

Know Ye, That 



Having been specially distinguished for faithful ser- 
vices in maintaining the honor, integrity and suprem- 
acy of the Government of the United States of 
America: — was received as a Companion of the 

Class of the Military Order of the 

Loyal Legion of the United States, on the 
day of , Anno Domini one thou- 
sand eight hundred and , through Com- 

mandery No. — , of the State of . 

In Testimony whereof, the names of the 
proper Officers, and the Seal of the Order, are 
hereunto affixed. 

Given at Philadelphia, this day of , 

in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred 

and , and of the Independence of the 

United States of America the , and of 

the Order the . 




Co7ninander-i7i- Chief. 



R ecorder-in- Chief. 



No. 



19 
ARTICLE XI. 

DEATH OF MEMBERS. 

Upon notice of the death of any Companion of 
the Order, the Commandery will be convened for 
the purpose of attending the funeral ceremonies. 

The Companions, properly uniformed and wear- 
ing the usual badge of mourning, will march in the 
order prescribed for such processions. 

If agreeable to the family of the deceased, the 
coffin will be draped with the United States flag, and 
the pall supported by eight (8) Companions of the 
Order. 

ARTICLE XII.. 

OFFICERS. 

Section i. — The Officers of the District Com- 
manderies shall be a Commander, a Senior Vice- 
Commander, a Junior Vice-Commander, a Recorder, 



20 

a Conespondant, a Treasurer, a Chancellor, a Chap- 
lain, and a Council consisting of five (5) Compan- 
ions, — of which Board the other Officers shall be 
members ex-officio. 

They shall be elected annually, as hereinafter 
directed. 

Sec. 2. — The Officers of the State Command- 
eries shall be a Grand Commander, a Senior Vice 
Grand Commander, a Junior Vice Grand Com- 
mander, a Grand Recorder, a Grand Correspondant, 
a Grand Treasurer, a Grand Chancellor, a Grand 
Chaplain, and a Grand Council, consisting of five 
(5) Grand Companions, — of which Board the other 
Officers shall be members ex-officio. 

They shall be elected biennially. 

Sec, 3. — The Officers of the National Com- 
mandery shall be a Commander-in-Chief, a Senior 
Vice-Commander-in-Chief, a Junior Vice-Com- 
mander-in-Chief, a Recorder-in-Chief, a Correspon- 
dant-in-Chief, a Treasurer-in-Chief, a Chancellor- 



21 



in-Chief, a ChapIain-in-Chief, and a Council-in- 
Chief, consisting of five (5) Companions-in-Chief, 
— of which Board the other Officers shall be mem- 
bers ex-officio. 

They shall hold office during the term of four 
(4) years. 

ARTICLE XIII. 

DUTIES OF OFFICERS. 

Section i. — It shall be the duty of the Com- 
mander to preside at all meetings of the Com- 
mandery, and of the Council ; to enforce a strict 
observance of the Constitution and By-Laws ; to 
appoint all Officers and Committees not otherwise 
provided for; to sign all orders drawn upon the 
Treasurer for all sums necessary to defray the ex- 
penses, and for other appropriations made and passed 
at a stated meeting of the Commandery; and per- 
form such other duties as custom and parliamen- 
tary usage, or his charge, may require of him. 



22 

At the close of his term of office he shall make 
a written report of the general state of the Order : 
which report shall be placed in the archives of the 
Commandery. 

Sec. 2. — The Vice-Commanders shall, when 
called upon, assist the Commander in the perform- 
ance of his duties. The Senior Vice-Commander 
is, in the event of the death, resignation or absence 
of the Commander, his plenary representative. And 
in the event of the death, resignation or absence of 
the Senior Vice-Commander, the Junior Vice- 
Commander succeeds to all his powers and duties. 

If none of the above named Officers be present, 
a Commander pro tempore shall be appointed. 

Sec. 3. — It shall be the duty of the Recorder 
to keep in books provided for that purpose, — 

1st. The Constitution^ By-Laws^ Rules and Regu- 
lations of the Order, — to be signed by every Com- 
panion on his becoming a member thereof. 

2nd. A Register of the members of the Com- 



23 

mandeiy, ruled to embrace every material fact re- 
lating to or growing out of their membership. 

3rd. A journal of the proceedings of the Com- 
mandery, after the same have been corrected and 
approved. 

4th. A Report-Book^ containing an analysis of 
the reports of Commanderies, Officers and Com- 
mittees. 

5th. A Letter-Book^ of copies of all official let- 
ters sent and received. 

6th. A Ledger^ to contain the accounts of the 
Commandery with its members. 

7th. A Receipt-Book^ in which to take the Trea- 
surer's receipts. 

8th. A Black-Book^ in which shall be recorded 
the names and rank in the service of all who, at 
any time, may be declared ineligible for membership 
in the Order; and also of those members who may 
have been expelled from any Commandery, together 
with the reason therefor. 



24 

It shall be his duty to keep these books in readi- 
ness, at all times, for inspection by the Council; to 
keep all accounts between the Commandery and its 
members; receive in trust all moneys of the Com- 
mandery, and pay the same without delay to the 
Treasurer, taking his receipt for the same. He 
shall attest all orders drawn upon the Treasurer for 
money ordered to be paid at a stated meeting, and 
none others, except those hereinafter specially pro- 
vided for. He shall give due notice of all meetings 
of the Commandery ; and he shall furnish in the 
said notice the name, rank and command in the 
service, and address of each candidate for member- 
ship, together with his or their Recommenders, and 
the Committees of Investigation: and in the notices 
for the first stated meetings in May and November, 
he shall state the amount due by the Companion for 
whom issued. He shall at the last stated meeting 
in his term of office, make out for the Commandery 
a full report of all moneys received during his term, 



25 

and also the arrearages of every member; and 
transfer to his successor in office, within two (2) 
weeks from the expiration of his term, all books, 
papers, or other property in his possession belonging 
to his office. He shall perform such other duties 
as the Commandery, or his office, may require ot 
him. 

Sec. 4. — The Correspondant shall conduct 
the correspondence of the Commandery ; and will 
notify the National Commandery, each State and 
District Commandery, from time to time as they 
may occur, of every admission and rejection, sus- 
pension and expulsion, withdrawal, restoration and 
death. 

In the absence of the Recorder, he shall officiate 
in his stead. 

Sec. 5. — The Treasurer shall receive from the 

Recorder all moneys belonging to the Commandery ; 

giving receipts for the same. He shall pay all 

orders signed by the Commander and attested by the 

3 



26 



Recorder, and none others ; and must retain, in a 
book provided for the purpose, these orders as his 
vouchers. He shall keep fair and regular accounts 
of his receipts and expenditures ; making a quarterly 
statement thereof. He shall perform such other 
duties as the Commandery, or his office, may require 
of him. He shall pay over and deliver to his suc- 
cessor in office, on the night of investiture of said 
successor, all moneys, vouchers, books and papers 
belonging to the Commandery, in his hands at the 
close of his term of office. And for the faithful 
performance of his duty shall give such security as 
the Commandery may direct. 

Sec. 6. — The Chancellor shall have the care 
and arrangement of the archives. To his especial 
custody shall also be confided the Seal of the Order, 
together with the Badges, Dies, Ribbon, and Diplo- 
ma-plate. He shall keep a roster of all the Com- 
panions of the Order, each numbered according to 
date of admission and Commandery. He shall per- 



27 

form such other duties as the Order, or his charge, 
may require of him. 

Sec. 7. It shall be the duty of the Chaplain 
to open and close the meetings of the Commandery 
in the manner prescribed ; and to perform, such 
other duties as general custom may require of him. 

Sec. 8. — The Council shall exercise a general 
inspection and control over all property belonging 
to the Commandery. They shall be constituted a 
standing Committee on Accounts : and shall audit 
and adjust the Commandery 's books semi-annually, 
or oftener if required to do so; rendering reports 
of the same. They shall be authorized to grant 
warrants for all incidental expenses that may accrue. 
In dissensions between Companions, it shall be their 
duty to act as a Court of Honor for the just and 
amicable settlement of the same : but where charges 
are preferred against a Companion, they shall be 
constituted a Court of Inquiry for the Commandery. 
They shall have power to fill vacancies in any of 



28 

the offices of the Commandery, until the time of 
the next annual election. 

They shall be empowered to apponit lor Com- 
inandery Head-Quarters an Orderly; — who must be 
an honorably discharged soldier or sailor. 

ARTICLE XIV. 

REMOVAL OF OFFICERS. 

Any Officer of the Order who shall neglect, or 
improperly perform, the duties incumbent upon him, 
may be removed by a vote of two-thirds (|) of the 
members of the Commandery present. 

ARTICLE XV. 

MEETINGS. 

Section i. — The stated meetings of the Order 
shall be held, at least, monthly. 

Sec. 2. — Special meetings may be convened by 
order of the Commander; or bv order of one of the 



29 

Vice-Commanders, at the written request of four 
(4) members of the Commandery : — three (3) days' 
previous notice being given in every case. 

Sec. 3. — Eight (8) members of the Commandery 
shall constitute a quorum at any meeting where 
business is to be transacted. 



ARTICLE XVI. 

SECRECY. 

Section i. — The proceedings of the Order shall, 
as a general rule, be kept secret. 

Sec 2. — Any member who shall disclose the 
name of a Companion who has been instrumental 
in causing the reje :tion of any candidate for mem- 
bership, or give information that may lead to such 
disclosure, shall be expelled from the Order. And 
the Commander shall cause the provisions of this 
law to be read immediately after the rejection of 

such application. 

3* 



3° 
ARTICLE XVII. 

FUNDS. 

Section i. — Funds for defraying the current 
expenses of the Order, and for the relief of the 
unfortunate, shall be raised by a semi-annual assess- 
ment of, at least, five dollars ($5.00) upon each Com- 
panion ; which shall be paid in advance. But any 
Companion of the Order who shall pav, at one time, 
one hundred dollars ($100.00) over and above his 
admission fee, shall be exempt from the payment of 
all further dues. 

Sec. 2. — All sums paid for the commutation of 
semi-annual assessments, shall be transferred imme- 
diately to the Council for investment in United 
States or other approved securities. 

ARTICLE XVIII. 

ARREARAGES. 

Section i. — Anv Companion who may be one 
(l) vear in arrears at the time of holding the annual 



31 

election for Officers, may, by a vote of a majority 
of the members of the Commandery present, be 
prohibited from voting, and be declared to be 
ineligible to any office until such dues shall be 
paid, or remitted by an order of the same. 

Sec, 2. — Any Companion who is two (2) years, 
or more, in arrears at the first stated meeting in 
June, shall be specially notified of the fact ; and if 
the same is not paid within three (3) months there- 
after, the Commandery may, by a vote of two-thirds 
(I) of the members present, suspend the Com- 
panion until such arrearages shall be paid, or duly 
remitted. 

Sec. 3. — If the Companion shall refuse to pay 
such arrears, he may be dropped from the roll 
by order of a majority of the members of the 
Commandery present ; unless it shall appear that 
the delinquency has occurred through unavoidable 
disabilitv, — in which case the Commandery may 
remit the whole, or any portion thereof. 



32 



ARTICLE XIX. 

RELIEF. 

Section, i. — Every Companion who has been 
a member of this Order for one (i) year and has 
conformed to its laws, shall, in case of misfortune 
and distress, he entitled to such relief as may be 
deemed expedient. 

Sec. 2. — The widow and children of a deceased 
Companion shall be entitled to such relief as the 
Companion, if living, would have enjoyed. 

ARTICLE XX. 

RELIEF COMMITTEE. 

Immediately after the installation of the Officers 
elect, — the Council shall, by and with the appro- 
val of the Commandery, appoint eight (8) Com- 
panions, who shall constitute a Relief Committee for 
the ensuing year. 



33 

All applications for relief shall be referred to 
such Committee. 

The Committee shall be empowered to order tem- 
porary assistance in cases only which will admit 
of no delay ; and shall immediately report the fact 
to the Council. The expenses for such assistance 
shall be paid by an order on the Treasurer, approved 
by the Council. But the said Committee shall draw 
no other orders upon the Treasurer, except by a 
Resolution of the Commandery. 

ARTICLE XXI. 

DISTRICT COMMANDERIES. 

Section i. — To further its designs, this Order 
shall, — so far as is consistent with its principles and 
objects, — institute Commanderies in all the States 
of the Union. 

District Commanderies shall be organized as the 
result of an application signed by, at least, thir- 
teen (13) officers, or ex-officers, of the Army or 



34 

Navy, — Companions of the Order, or eligible to 
membership in the same, — made to the Grand 
Commandery of its State ; or if such body be 
not already established, then to the Grand Com- 
mandery of the State of Pennsylvania ; and granted 
at a stated rrieeting by a two-thirds (5) vote of the 
same. The Charter of which shall be at once issued. 
Sec. 2. — The Form of Charter shall be as 
follows : — 

In the Name and by the Authority of 

{COAT OF ARMS.) 

THE Military Order of the Loyal Legion 
OF THE United States. 

The Commandery-in-Chief, 

To all and shigular to luhom these Presents shall come.^ 

Greeting: 
Know ye, That our worthy Companions, 



, are hereby authorized and empowered to 

institute, organize and estabhsh a Commanderv in 

, to be known as Commandery No. 

— , OF THE State of , of the 

Military Order of the Loyal Legion of 
the United States. 

Witness the name of the Commander-in-Chief, 
and the Seal of the Order, attested by the Recorder- 

in-Chief, at Philadelphia, this day of , 

in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hun- 
dred and , and of the Independence of 

the United States of America the , and 

of the Order the . 




Cortvnander-in- Chief. 



Attest 



Recorder-in- Chief. 



No.- 



3^ 

Sec. 3. — The first annual, and all subsequent, 
nomination of Officers shall be made at the first 
stated meeting in April; and said nominations shall 
be closed when the meeting adjourns. From the 
Companions then nominated, the officers shall be 
elected on the first stated meeting in May proximo. 
They shall be chosen by ballot, by a majority of all 
the valid votes given ; and should no candidate re- 
ceive a majority of all the votes polled on the first 
ballot, then the candidate receiving the lowest 
number ot votes shall be dropped, and so on at each 
successive ballot. The Companions so elected 
shall enter upon office at the next stated meeting 
after their election, and shall hold the same until 
their successors respectively shall be duly elected 
and invested. 

Sec. 4. — Each Commandery shall have power 
to adopt whatever Rules and Regulations may be 
deemed necessary for its own special government : — 
Provided^ that the same do not in any way conflict 



37 

with or impair any part or portion of the Constitu- 
tion and By-Laws of the Order. 

Sec. 5. — Each Commandery shall make a full 
report of its condition, accompanied with a general 
history of its proceedings, to the Grand Com- 
mandery of its State, at least, semi-annually, in May 
and November. 

ARTICLE XXII. 

GRAND CO MM A N D E R I E S . 

Section i. — The members of a Grand Com- 
mandery shall consist of the ex-Commanders and 
Commanders of the several District Coniuianderies 
of the State; and also of such other distinguished 
Companions of the Order as may be specially 
recommended by any District Commandery within 
its jurisdiction, in number not exceeding four (4) for 
each year, and elected by the Grand Commandery 
with the full rights, honors and privileges of other 
members of that body. 
4 



3« 

Sec. 2. — The duties of the Officers of Grand 
Commanderies shall be as prescribed in Article 
XIII, of the Constitution, — for District Com- 
manderies. 

Sec. 3. — In every Grand Commandery there 
shall be eight (8) Departments, each consisting of 
thirteen (13) members, appointed by the Grand 
Council, by and with the advice of the Grand Com- 
mandery ; and shall be as follows : — 

Of the Judiciary, of Ways and Means, of Trusts, 
of Members, of Commanderies, of Archives, of the 
United Service, and of Miscellaneous Affairs. And 
from the decision of each, there shall be an appeal 
to the Grand Commandery. 

Sec. 4. — To the Department of the judiciary 
shall be referred, for written report, all questions of 
interpretation of the Constitution and By-Laws. It 
shall act as a Court of Appeals in all difficulties in 
or betvi^een the several Commanderies of its State, 



39 

or between its Commanderies and Companions of 
the Order. 

Sec. 5. — The Department of TVays and Means 
shall attend to all matters connected with the finances 
of the Commanderies within its jurisdiction ; ex- 
cept those already provided for, or hereinafter dele- 
gated to the Department of Trusts. 

Sec. 6. — The Department of Trusts shall take 
charge of all moneys belonging to the permanent 
fund of its jurisdictional district, and shall have 

power to invest the same in the name of the Grand 
Commandery. 

Sec. 7. — The Department of Members shall pro- 
cure and keep a correct list of all the Companions 
of the Order, their rank and command in the ser- 
vice, their residences, and whatever record may be 
of interest connected with them. 

Sec. 8. — To the Department of Commanderies 
shall be referred, for examination and report, all 
applications for the granting of Charters to new 



40 

Commanderies within the Hmits of its State juris- 
diction. 

Sec. 9. — The Department of Archives shall 
collect and keep all books and papers in any way 
connected with the history of the Order; or with 
that of the Army and Navy, especially during the 
period of the war for the maintenance of the Na- 
tional Union, 

Sec. 10. — The Department of the United Ser- 
vice shall collect for the Order such books, models 
and plans, and other matters relating to Military 
and Naval Science and Art, as may be of particular 
interest to the Companions. 

Sec. II. — The Department of Miscellaneous 
Affairs shall have charge of all matters not here- 
inbefore specially provided for. 

Sec. 12. — The Head-Ouarters of each Grand 
Commandery shall be in the principal City of its 
State; at which place it shall assemble, at least an- 
nually. 



41 

The Grand Council and Departments shall meet, 
at least, semi-annually, in the same place. Mem- 
bers of the latter two bodies, unable to be present, 
may be represented by letter. 

Sec. 13. — Each Grand Commandery shall make 
a full report of its condition, accompanied with a 
general history of its proceedings, to the Comman- 
dery-in-Chief, at least, annually, in May. 

ARTICLE XXIII. 

COMMANDERY-IN-CHIEF. 

Section i. — The Commandery-in-Chief shall 
consist of the ex-Grand Commanders and Grand 
Commanders of the several Grand Commanderies 
and also of such other distinguished Companions of 
the Order as the Commandery-in-Chief may elect. 

Sec. 2. — The duties of the Officers of the Com- 
mandery-in-Chief shall be as prescribed in Article 
XIII, of the Constitution, — for District Com- 
manderies. 

4* 



42 

Sec. 3. — All legislative power, except the proviso 
contained in this Section, and that elsewhere reserved 
to the subordinate Commanderies, shall be invested 
in the Cono-ress of the Order: — chief executive and 
supreme judicial power in the Commandery-in- 
Chief:-— 

Provided^ That when a contingency shall arise, 
which shall in all honor and fair dealing seem to the 
Commandery-in-Chief to demand instant and im- 
perative action, it may, with the approval of a 
majoritv of the several Grand Commanderies, adopt 
measures to meet the contingency, which shall be 
binding until the next meeting of the Congress. 

Sec. 4. — The Commandery-in-Chief shall, in the 
name and by the authority of the Order, issue all 
Diplomas of Membership ; and Charters for the in- 
stitution of new Commanderies. 

Sec. 5. — In order that the several Commanderies 
shall be brought into as direct communication as 
possible, it shall be the duty of the Commandery-in- 



43 

Chief to have notified each Commandery, — through 
the several Grand Commanderies, — of any new or- 
ganization which may have been effected ; who, on 
the receipt of such official information, shall com- 
municate, with the least possible delay, with the 
new Commandery, tendering congratulations on its 
entrance into the Order. 

Sec. 6. — The Head-Quarters of the Commandery- 
in-Chief of the Order shall be in the City of Phila- 
delphia, State of Pennsylvania : at which place it 
shall assemble, at least, once in every two {2) years. 
The Council-in-Chief shall meet, at least, annually : 
its members may be represented by letter. 

ARTICLE XXIV. 

CONGRESS OF THE ORDER. 

Section i. — A Congress of the Order, to be 
composed of three (3) Representatives from each 
Commandery, — District, State, and National, — 



44 

shall assemble, at least, once in four (4) years, on the 
4th day of July, in the City of Philadelphia, State 
of Pennsylvania ; and shall act on whatever business 
may be laid before it. 

Sec. 2. — Commanderies unable to be represented 
by their own special delegation, shall be required to 
select as substitutes a full delegation from another, 
or other Commanderies, of Companions not dele- 
gated from their own Commandery ; who shall, in 
all matters appertaining to the Congress, enjoy the 
rights and privileges of other Representatives. 

Sec. 3. — There shall be an Oration, or an Ora- 
tion and Poem, delivered before the Order, — in the 
City of Philadelphia, during the session of the 
Congress, — by a Companion, or Companions ; who 
shall be elected for the purpose by a majority of the 
whole number of Commanderies represented in the 
preceding Congress. 



45 



ARTICLE XXV. 

COAT OF ARMS OF THE ORDER. 

The Coat of Arms of the Order shall be : — 

Arms. — Gyronnee, (symbolical of unity,) of thirty- 
four gules and argent, (representing the number of States 
forming the National Government at the commencement of the 
Rebellion,) a twisted pillar irradiated in pale or, envi- 
roned by an orl of clouds proper, (v. Exodus xiii. 21-22.) 

Crest: — Upon a wreath argent and gules, — a hem- 
isphere or, charged with the legend America in 
letters azure ; thereon the National Eagle in the 
position of defence proper; all within thirteen 
mullets arch-wise of the first, on a field of the 
fourth. 

Supporters. — Dexter; A soldier under arms, his 
dexter hand supporting a lance — therefrom flying the 
Standard of the United States: Sinister; A sailor 
equipped for general quarters, his sinister hand sup- 



46 

porting a pike — thereon hoisted the National Flag : 
all proper. The equipage of each as prescribed by 
the Regulations of 1861 and 1865, for the govern- 
ment respectively of the Army and Navy. 

Motto. LEX REGIT, ARMA TUENTUR. in letters 

argent, charged upon a scroll purpure. 

(v. Frontispiece.) 



A RTICLE XXVI. 

SEAL OF THE ORDER. 

The Seal of the Order shall be one-and-three- 
tenths (il) inches in diameter, and shall consist of 
the Crest, as hereinbefore blazoned, the letters — 
MDCccLxv. in base; the whole encircled by a band, 
one-eighth (^) of an inch wide, thereon the legend — 

SEAL OF the military ORDER OF THE LOYAL 
LEGION OF THE UNITED STATES. {v. Page 4.) 



47 
ARTICLE XXVII. 

INSIGNIA OF THE ORDER. 

Section i. — The Insignia of the Order shall 
consist of the Badge pendant, by a link and a ring 
of sold, from the Ribbon. 

Sec. 2. — The Badge of the Order shall be as 
follows : — 

Obverse. — A Cross of eight (8) points gold ; 
cantoned with rays of gold, — forming a Star: its 
long diameter one-and-three-tenths (11) inches, its 
short diameter eight-tenths {J-) of an inch. The 
Cross enamelled azure ; charged with a smaller 
cross of like proportions, enamelled white and 
edged with gold. In the centre thereof, within a 
circle four-tenths {~q) of an inch in diameter, ena- 
melled gules, the National Eagle displayed gold. 
On the circle, gold, one-tenth (-^L) of an inch 
wide, the motto — lex regit, arma tuentur. — 
in relievo. ('•■ Page 51. 



48 

Reverse . — The Star as above described. In the 
centre thereof, within a circle four-tenths (~) of an 
inch in diameter, enamelled gules, two (2) sabres in 
saltire, their points in base ; surmounted by a fasces, 
pale-wise, ensigned with a Cap of Liberty : within 
an arch of thirteen (13) stars, in base a wreath of 
laurel : — all of gold. On the circle, gold, one-tenth 
(_i_) of an inch wide, the legend — M. o., loyal le- 
gion, u. s, — MDCCCLXV. — in relievo, (r. Page 52.) 

Sec. 3. — The reverse of the /in^ of each Badge 
shall bear an engraved number, corresponding with 
that of the registered number of the Companion to 
whom issued. {'>-'■ Page 5^-) 

Sec. 4. — The Ribbon of the Order shall be of 
watered silk, one-and-one-half (1^) inches wide. 

For Companions of the First (ist) Class, — a 
r^^ ribbon eight-tenths (-i.) of an inch wide, bordered 
with white and edged witii blue each three-and-one- 
half-tenths (^-) of an inch wide, (v- Page 51.) 



49 

For Companions of the Second (2nd) and 
Third (3rd) Classes — a blue ribbon eight-tenths 
(_?_) of an inch wide, bordered with white and edged 
with red each three-and-one-half-tenths (-go) of an 
inch wide. (''■ Page 52.) 

ARTICLE XXVIII. 

UNIFORM OF THE ORDER. 

Section i. — On occasions of ceremony, the 
Companions of the Order may wear the uniform of 
their respective arm and grade whilst in the service: 
— subject to such regulations as may hereafter be 
enjoined. 

The INSIGNIA of the Order shall be worn con- 
spicuously, and only on the centre of the left breast. 

Sec. 2. — When not on duty as Companions of 
the Order, the members will wear on the left lapel 
of the coat, one (i) inch from the top of the lapel, 
parallel thereto, and one-half (|) of an inch from 



50 

the front edge of the same, the prescribed Ribbon 
of their respective Classes. 

ARTICLE XXIX. 

AMENDMENTS. 

No alteration, addition, or amendment, shall be 
made to this Constitution, unless agreed to by three- 
fourths (I) of the whole number of Commanderies 
represented in the Congress of the Order. 



51 




52 




^^ 



BY-LAWS 



ARTICLE I. 

INSTALLATION OF MEMBERS. 

The Companion-elect being formally presented 
at a stated meeting of a Commandery, shall, then 
and there, make a declaration, upon honor, that he 
will maintain the Constitution of the Order, and 
conform to all its By-Laws, Rules and Regulations •, 
and will use his best endeavors to promote its ob- 
jects and advance its interests. 

5* 53 



54 
ARTICLE II. 

INVESTITURE OF OFFICERS. 

A Companion elected to any office in the Order, 
before being invested with the authority of the sair.e, 
shall make a formal declaration, upon honor, that 
he will — well and faithfully — perform the duties of 
the office on which he is about to enter; and com- 
ply with all the established laws and usages of the 
Order. 

ART [CLE III. 

DUTIES OF THE ORDERLY. 

The Orderly shall keep the Commandery Head- 
Quarters in good order ; and perform such other 
duties pertaining to the character of his office, as 
may be required of him by the Council. 

As a compensation for his services, he shall re- 
ceive a fixed annual salarv, payable quarterly. 



55 



ARTICLE IV. 

FINES. 

Section i. — The fundamental principles of this 
Order being recognized as its only test of loyal 
citizenship, the discussion, or introduction, of secta- 
rian or partisan topics within the precincts of a Com- 
mandery is prohibited : — this, under the penalty of 
such fine, exceeding fifty dollars (^50.00), as may 
be imposed by order of the Council. 

Sec. 2. — All other violations or neglects of duty, 
may be fined at the option of the Commandery. 

ARTICLE V. 

ORDER OF BUSINESS. 

At stated meetings, the business shall be con- 
ducted in the following order: — 

I. At the time appointed, the Commander shall 
take the chair and call the Commanderv' to order. 



56 

2. The Recorder shall call the Roll of Members. 

3. The Chaplain shall read the opening Prayer. 

4. The Minutes of the last stated, and all subse- 
quent meetings, shall be read and disposed of. 

5. Companions-elect shall be installed. 

6. The stated business, if any, of the meeting 
shall be considered. 

7. Unfinished business shall be taken up. 

8. Reports of Officers and Committees shall be 
heard. 

9. Written communications shall be presented. 

10. Candidates for membership shall be balloted 
for. 

11. Applications for membership shall be re- 
ceived. 

12. Admission fees and semi-annual dues of 
Companions, shall be called for payment. 

13. New business may be introduced. 

14. The Recorder shall register the names of the 
Companions present. 



• . 57 

15. The Chaplain shall read the closing Prayer. 

16. Adjournment, 

ARTICLE VI. 

GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS. 

Section i. — The general rules of the United 
States House of Representatives, so far as applica- 
ble, shall govern the transactions of the Com- 
manderies. 

Sec. 2. — All official orders, communications, 
records, and proceedings of whatever character, 
shall conform as nearly as possible to the general 
regulations, usages and customs of the military ser- 
vice of the United States. 

A R 1^ I C L E VII. 

ACTING GRAND COMMANDERIES OF THE SEVERAL 
STATES. 

The Senior Commandery of each State shall act 
as its Grand Commandery, until that body can be 



58 

organized in accordance with the provisions of the 
Constitution. 

ARTICLE VIII. 

THE ACTING GRAND COMMANDERY OF THE STATE 

OF PENNSYLVANIA: AND ACTING COMMANDERY^ 

IN-CHIEF OF THE ORDER, 

Until the 4th day of July, 1866, Commandery 
No. I of the State of Pennsylvania — shall act as 
the Grand Commandery of the State of Pennsylva- 
nia: — and until July 4th, 1867, as Commandery- 
in-Chief of the Older. 

But if, on the dates above specified, the Grand 
Commandery of the State of Pennsylvania, or the 
Commandery-in-Chief of the Order, be not organ- 
ized, — the said Commandery No. I of the State of 
Pennsylvania, shall continue to exercise said func- 
tions until the organization of the Grand Com- 



59 

mandery, or of the Commandery-in-Chief, shall 
have been effected. 

ARTICLE IX. 

AMENDMENTS. 

No alteration, addition, or amendment, shall be 
made to these By-Laws, unless agreed to by three- 
fourths (I) of the whole number of Commanderies 
represented in the Congress of the Order. 



INDEX 



Extract from Minutes: — H. Q^, C. No. i, Penn\., 
M. O., L. L., U. S., Phllada.. Jan. 17. 1866. 

CONSTITUTION. 



Preamble, 
Article I. — Title, 

" II. — Principles, 

" III.— Objects, . 

" IV. — Organization, 

" V. — Members, 

" VI. — Election of Members 

" VII. — Membership, 

" VIII, — Impeachment of Members. 



5 
6 
6 

7 
• 8 

9 

10 

»3 

15 



bo 



Article IX.- 


u 


X.- 


« 


XI.- 


<( 


XII.- 


11 


XIII. 


u 


XIV.- 


<( 


XV. 


ii 


XVI.- 


(1 


XVII.- 


<( 


XVIII.- 


(> 


XIX.- 


u 


XX.- 


<f 


XXI.- 


<i 


XXII.- 


1( 


XXIII.- 


« 


XXIV- 


« 


XXV.- 


u 


XXVI. 


« 


XXVII.- 


>( 


XXVIII 


'< 


XXIX. 




6 



6i 

-Honorary Members, 

-Diploma of Membership, 

-Death of Members, 

-Officers, 

-Duties of Officers, 

-Removal of Officers, 

—Meetings, 

-Secrecy, 

-Funds, . 

-Arrearages, 

-Relief, . 

-Relief Committee, 

-District Commanderies, 

-Grand Commanderies, . 

-Commandery-in-Chief, 

-Congress of the Order, . 

-Coat of Arms of the Order, 

-Seal of the Order, 

-Insignia of the Order, . 

—Uniform of the Order, . 

—Amendments. 



PAGE. 

i6 
17 
19 
19 
21 
28 
28 
29 
30 

30 
32 

32 
33 
37 
41 
43 
45 
46 

47 
49 
SO 



62 



BY-LAWS. 

Article I. — Installation of Members, 

" II. — Investiture of Officers, 

'■ III. — Duties of the Orderly, 

" IV.^Fines, .... 

" V. — Order of Business, . 

" VI. — General Rules and Regulations, 

" VII. — Acting Grand Commanderies of the seve- 
ral States, . . . . . 

'' VIII. — The Acting Grand Commandery of the 
State of Pennsylvania : — and Acting 
Commandery-in-Chief of the Order, . 

" IX.- -Amendments, . . . . , 



PAGE. 
53 
54 
5+ 
55 
55 
57 

57 



58 
59 



ILLUSTRATIONS 



Coat of Arms of the Order, , . . . Frontispiece 

Seal of the Order, Page 4 

Obverse of Badge of the Order, and Ribbon for 

Companions of the First ( 1st) Class, . . ''51 

Reverse of Badge of the Order, and Ribbon for 
Companions of the Second (2nd) and Third 
(3rd) Classes, ...... "52 



CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS. 



MILITARY ORDER 



Loyal Legion 



UNITED STATES. 



PHILADELPHIA 

1867. 



